BSTA 12A00 - Quantitative Methods

The first-year course in quantitative methods for the humanities and social sciences serves as a foundational introduction to their uses. As a crucial intersection of interdisciplinary study within the social sciences, quantitative methods are utilized across most core disciplines taught at Sciences Po in the first year, including sociology, economics, and political science. While their application may be less prevalent in historical and legal scholarship, statistics nonetheless contribute to the evolution of certain research areas within those fields.

The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with the interpretation of numerical results and graphical representations, data analysis, and the practical application of statistical methods in social sciences. It is designed to cultivate students' competencies in accurately reading tables and graphs and in interpreting them by posing pertinent questions regarding their construction.

In addition to their significance in scientific research, statistics function as an essential tool for practical application: they facilitate the management and governance of institutions and enterprises. Through a critical lens, we aim to equip students with a robust statistical literacy that is accessible to all. Statistics are not an exclusive domain; one does not require an extensive mathematical background to compare means or percentages, draw valid conclusions, and leverage this information for argumentation or decision-making.

Acquire knowledge of quantitative methods in their interdisciplinary dimension

Discover the epistemological foundations and construction methods to build critical knowledge

Read statistics and manipulate them in their concrete applications (using Google Sheets)

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:

1°) Quiz 1 (20%): Quiz 1 will take place in Week 6.

2°) Quiz 2 (20%): Quiz 2 will take place in Week 10.

3°) Group Presentation (20%): Guidelines on the presentations will be presented in a separate document. The choice of presentation subject/article will need to be submitted in Week 5 and the presentations will take place in Weeks 9 & 10.

4°) Final Exam (40%): The in-class final exam will take place in Week 12.